Regions of the Brain

Cerebral Cortex

Cerebrum: Largest part of the human brain, associated with higher brain function such as thought and action. Divided into four main lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal.
Frontal Lobe: Located at front of brain, involved in motor function, problem solving, judgement, and conscious thought. Notably contains the Broca’s area, which is responsible for speech and communication.
Parietal Lobe: Positioned at top of brain, plays key role in sensory information from body, spatial awareness and navigation.
Occipital Lobe: At back of brain, primarily responsible for vision.
Temporal Lobe: Below the frontal and parietal lobes, involved in auditory perception and is home to the primary auditory cortex. Also important for memory and speech.

Subcortical Structures

Thalamus: Deep within the centre of the brain, relay station for sensory information excluding smell.
Hypothalamus: Beneath the thalamus, maintains homeostasis and regulates emotional responses and behaviour.
Amygdala: Located in the temporal lobe, key role in processing of emotions such as fear and anger.
Hippocampus: Within temporal lobe, significant in forming new memories and connecting emotions and senses to memories.

Lower Brain Structures

Brain Stem: Connects brain and spinal cord, in charge of basic functions of life such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion.
Medulla Oblongata: Part of brain stem, responsible for autonomic functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
Pons: Also part of brain stem, connects cerebellum to brain and involved in somatic and visceral motor control.
Cerebellum: At base of brain, responsible for coordination and balance. Regularly linked to ‘muscle memory’.

Neurochemical Systems

Neurons: The brain’s communication cells which transmit information through electrical and chemical signals.
Synapses: The tiny gaps between neurons where information is transmitted.
Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses.
Receptors: Proteins on the post-synaptic neuron that neurotransmitters bind to.

Remember to focus on understanding the functions of each region and how these relate to human behaviour in both normal and pathological states. Practical examples and disorders related to each region can greatly aid in your understanding and ability to apply the knowledge.